Membership Benefits
The Canadian Rheumatology Association (CRA) is the national professional association representing Canadian rheumatologists, on a mission to promote the pursuit of excellence in arthritis and rheumatic disease care, education and research.
Since its inception, the CRA has supported and advanced the field of rheumatology by organizing networking, training, research and educational opportunities for clinicians, students, allied health professionals and researchers.
The CRA offers outstanding value to its members by providing knowledge sharing, education, advocacy and research support.
- Education & Networking
Access webinars, podcasts, flagship events and more, including the Annual Scientific Meeting, RheumReview, LEAP and Canada Night. - Recognition of Excellence
 Celebrate achievements in the field of rheumatology through CRA’s national awards. - Publications
Enjoy complimentary subscriptions to The Journal of Rheumatology (JRheum) and The Journal of the CRA (CRAJ). - Community Updates
Stay connected with timely news and announcements from Canada’s rheumatology community. - Volunteer Opportunities
Contribute your expertise through committees, podcasts, guidelines, research, and more. - Member Savings
Benefit from reduced registration fees for the CRA Annual Scientific Meeting for regular and trainee members
PLUS
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- FREE Annual Scientific Meeting Registration for Emeritus members.
- 50% Annual Scientific Meeting Registration discount for Regular members in their first 5 years of practice.
- CRA Annual Scientific Meeting (ASM)
The ASM provides unparalleled education and networking opportunities for the rheumatology community at this annual conference and flagship event.
Target Audience: CRA members, PGY4/PGY5 rheumatology residents, summer students, post docs, medical students, non-members and industry - CRA RheumReview
This full-day virtual program is designed to provide evidence-based, clinical updates on important conditions seen by rheumatologists.
Target Audience: Practicing clinical rheumatologists and PGY4/PGY5 rheumatology residents - Canada Night
In tandem with the American College of Rheumatology’s Annual Meeting, the CRA hosts a Canada Night function with hors d’oeuvres, drinks, and live entertainment for members.
Target Audience: CRA members (particularly ACR attendees) and sponsors - LEAdership Program (LEAP)
This mentorship program seeks to identify and promote leadership of rheumatologists at an early career stage who are likely to become leaders in research, education and/or advocacy.
Target Audience: Rheumatologists early in their career (within 5 years post-fellowship in rheumatology or pediatric rheumatology) - Around the Rheum Podcast
Around the Rheum is the official podcast of the CRA featuring stories, in-depth features, clinical advice, member interviews and more. Now streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and Youtube.
Target Audience: CRA members, PGY4/PGY5 rheumatology residents, summer students, post docs, medical students, non-members and industry
- Residents’ Pre-Course
A comprehensive program covering a broad range of rheumatology topics designed to expand residents’ knowledge and strengthen their understanding of rheumatic diseases.
Target Audience: PGY4/PGY5 rheumatology residents and medical students (including CRA summer students), internal medicine and pediatric residents interested in rheumatology - National Written Rheumatology In-Training Examination (NWRITE)
Delivered by the CRA, in collaboration with training programs across the country, this formative exam provides rheumatology residents valuable feedback in advance of their written Royal College examination.
Target Audience: PGY4/PGY5 adult and pediatric rheumatology residents - National Virtual OSCE
A virtual examination that   assesses clinical competence and supports residents in their applied exam preparation.
Target Audience: PGY4/PGY5 adult and pediatric rheumatology residents - CRAF Education Bursary Program
The CRAF offers bursaries for rheumatology residents to attend the CRA Annual Scientific Meeting and Residents’ Pre-Course. Trainees are provided an opportunity to hone their skills, further their careers, and develop skills and knowledge to better serve future patients.
Target Audience:Â Qualifying PGY4/PGY5 residents
- CIORA (Canadian Initiative for Outcomes in Rheumatology cAre)
CIORA is unique research granting division of the Canadian Rheumatology Association Foundation (CRAF) committed to being a catalyst for improving the care of Canadians living with all rheumatic diseases. - Letters of Support
The CRA offers Letters of Support for research projects to members to champion the cause of rheumatology research in Canada. - Research Community Research Fund
The CRAF Community Research Fund program is a unique initiative designed to empower community-based rheumatologists to lead innovative research that enhances patient care.
- Guidelines and Position Statements
The CRA develops evidence-based clinical practice guidelines and position statements on rheumatic conditions and national issues.
- Drug Updates
The CRA updates members with drug shortage notifications. Educational Tools
A resource repository, featuring a variety of learning resources, including webinars, training modules, videos, toolkits, and quizzes, are available to members, learners, and educators.
- Accreditation Services
The CRA, a Royal College accredited CPD provider, reviews a limited number of activities developed by physician organizations for credit under Section 1 or Section 3 of the Royal College’s Maintenance of Certification (MOC) Program.
- Exclusive AI Scribe Partnerships
Members receive exclusive discounts and extended 1-month free trials to rheumatology-optimized AI scribes through a partnership with top vendors Scribeberry and Heidi Health. - Arya – Electronic Medical Record Offering
Members receive an offer from Arya Health with a number of benefits, including 50% off a data migration, the first month free and more.
- Recognition of excellence in rheumatology with the CRA’s national awards program.
- Â Hone mentorship skills by becoming a mentor for medical students interested in gaining clinical or research experience in rheumatology through the CRAF Summer Studentship Program.
- Volunteer as a committee member, adjudicator or reviewer (CIORA, Abstracts).
- Strengthen leadership abilities on the Board of Directors or as a Program/Committee Chair.